Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced that Advanced Plating, Inc. will expand its Middle Tennessee operations by locating a new facility in Portland. The electroplating manufacturer will create 200 jobs and invest approximately $4 million in Sumner County.
“I thank Advanced Plating for its decision to expand its Tennessee operations and to create 200 jobs in Portland,” Haslam said. “In Tennessee, we still make things and Advanced Plating makes components for so many of our major industries like the automotive sector and music sector. It means a great deal that this manufacturing company has found success in our state. It’s because of investments like these that Tennessee will lead in the creation of high-quality jobs.”
“I congratulate Advanced Plating for expanding in Middle Tennessee,” Rolfe said. “Advanced Plating currently employs 40 Tennesseans, and with the creation of these 200 new jobs in Portland, this company is greatly increasing its footprint here. In Tennessee, we focus on not only recruiting new companies, but creating a working environment that promotes growth for our existing companies. I appreciate Advanced Plating for choosing to expand in Portland.”
Advanced Plating provides electroplating services for the automotive, architectural fixtures and musical instrument industries. The company specializes in turnkey components as well as surface finishing technologies including polishing, anodizing, powder coating, chrome, nickel, gold and other plating finishes. Established in 1962, Advanced Plating is the largest automotive restoration plating company in the world and the largest manufacturer of OEM electric guitar components in the U.S.
“We’re pleased to announce this expansion and our commitment to supporting our local Tennessee community with investment and job growth,” Advanced Plating CEO Steve Tracy said.
“This is an exciting time for Advanced Plating as we expand our manufacturing footprint in Tennessee,” Advanced Plating Vice President of Operations Colin Gabhart said. “The planned facility represents an initial investment of over $5 million in the Portland community and will house two electroplating production lines as well as a commercial polishing shop, allowing us to meet the growing demand from our aftermarket automotive, architectural and music industry customers.”
With this expansion, Advanced Plating will move its operations into a 115,000-square-foot facility in Portland to keep up with growing demand.
Local leaders thanked Advanced Plating for its investment in Portland. The company plans on expanding into the architectural as well as automotive accessories markets with this new location.
“Portland is excited to welcome Advanced Plating with 200 jobs to our community. We pledge our assistance to their Portland team and wish them great success. We appreciate the partnership of the TNECD team and other regional partners who provided support for this decision,” Portland Mayor Ken Wilber said.
“TVA and Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation congratulate Advanced Plating on its announcement to open operations in Portland,” said TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley. “Helping to facilitate new job opportunities is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service and we are proud to partner with Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and city of Portland and Sumner County officials to help further that mission.”
Portland and Sumner County are represented by Sen. Ferrell Haile (R – Gallatin), Rep. William Lamberth (R – Cottontown), Rep. Johnny Garrett (R – Goodlettsville) and Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver (R – Lancaster) in the Tennessee General Assembly.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development: The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.